GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PROBE OVER VIDEOS OF RUSSIAN NATIONAL TARGETING KENYAN WOMEN

The government has launched investigation into allegations of exploitation and abuse involving a Russian national, following the circulation of videos online showing his interactions with Kenyan women.

In an official statement issued on Monday, February 16, the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services, led by Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot, condemned the videos, noting that they appeared to have been recorded without the consent of the women involved. 

The Ministry announced that government agencies had been mobilised to address the matter. CS Cheptumo said that recording individuals without permission undermines their constitutional right to privacy and personal dignity. Over the weekend, social media platforms were flooded with clips showing the foreign national in various encounters with women, some of whom are believed to be Kenyan. 

In the footage, the man is seen approaching women and, after brief exchanges, convincing them to accompany him. The Ministry confirmed that investigative authorities have been directed to prioritise the case and explore collaboration with international legal bodies, given its cross-border implications.

“Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter with urgency, including collaboration with international authorities given the cross-border nature of the case. Any individual found culpable will face the full force of Kenyan law under the Penal Code, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and all relevant statutes protecting women and children.”

The Russian national used smart glasses to capture footage without the knowledge of the women involved.